DSPs Unplugged

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DSPs Unplugged

September 14, 2017 - 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Eastern Daylight Time

Join us on September 14th at 2:00pm (Eastern) for DSPs Unplugged. Hear from some amazing current and former DSPs on how we can collectively support our DSP workforce. A moderated panel of direct support professionals, including our 2017 National DSP of the Year, Forrest Austin, will share their reflections, lessons learned, and ideas for providing critical support for people who rely on our services.

If you have a question you’d like to ask, here’s your opportunity to get it answered! Submit your question(s) by Monday, September 11, and you’ll receive Relias new course “Supporting Healthy Personal Relationships for People with IDD” for free!

A recording will be made available for registrants.

Presenters

Forrest Austin is the recipient of the 2017 National Direct Support Professional Recognition Award. He is a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and a Community Employment Job Coach at Johnson County Developmental Supports (JCDS) in Lenexa, KS. His mantra is built around three traits – kindness, dignity, and respect. Forrest has been a DSP for nine years – four years at JCDS. His seasoned approach and varied skillset may surprise some; he’s only 29 years old. Yet as a job coach Forrest has enabled over a dozen individuals with intellectual disabilities to prepare for, find and keep full or part-time, well-paying jobs through Project Search, a program that provides real-life work experience to help youth with significant disabilities make successful transitions from school to adult life.

Brodie Schulze has been working with the CORE/Labor Source department of Imagine! in Colorado for three years as a DSP. He also works with their behavioral services department as a behavioral interventionist providing in-home services. Brodie is currently pursuing his MA in Applied Behavior Analysis with the goal of becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Brodie also has an MA in Philosophy and Theology and intends to pursue a doctorate in this area. Last but not least, Brodie has been married for two years to his high school best friend, Jasmine, and recently welcomed their first child, Calvin.

Mark Landis began his career as a part-time DSP in an intermediate care facility in Petersburg, West Virginia in 1990 after graduating from college. Since then, he has held the positions of QMRP, clinical supervisor, area program administrator, executive director and currently as ResCare regional director for Virginia and New Jersey. Throughout his career, he felt that he was prepared for the next step by being able to gain experience working each position and understanding the needs of DSPs and clients.